YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 A LOOK AHEAD 2020
YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 - 2020 A LOOK AHEAD
WELCOME TO THE AMCHAM DUBAI QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER Welcome to the roaring 20’s! Dear AmCham Dubai Stakeholders,
A NOTE FROM OUR MD
Like most organizations in 2019, AmCham Dubai did a bit of self reflection. We realize that the American Business Council of 1985 delivered something very different than the AmCham Dubai of today. We hope that you are pleased with the results of the reflection on and re-creation of the organization.
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In keeping with what we have learned, we are constantly striving to deliver what the chamber means to our members. Meeting the ever changing business needs of the world in which we live and do business is a primary focus. AmCham’s re-branded logo encompasses our history with a fresh new look and feel. Combining the colors of the U.S. and U.A.E. flags in a shape that represents the Rings of Friendship – our gift of goodwill to the U.A.E. government in a gesture of peace and friendship and ties that bind the U.S.A. and U.A.E. Through the years the AmCham Dubai has become the progressive and modern organization you expect to see from in a U.S. Chamber. In partnership with our member DMCC we moved our offices to Almas Tower in JLT giving our members a more business centric location to visit. The new space has been an inspiring move for new members and new programming. We are pleased to have a complete team and some new faces in the office with a focus on programming and strategy, communications, membership and social media. If you are nearby, stop in for a quick hello and a cup of coffee. We serve as a catalyst to help your business grow stronger, help you with access and introductions that lead to business exposure, referrals and relationship building. The programs, events and services we provide for you are customized based on your participation and feedback. When people ask what is the most important thing a member can do, we ask them to ENGAGE! This is your organization. Regards Cara Nazari Managing Director
What to look forward to this year: • • • • • •
BUY AMERICA – an online directory for visiting US Exhibitors Business Visa Application Program – streamlining expedited visa appointments The Leadership Majlis – a new look of the Annual Emirati Alumni Reception More Intercouncil engagement EXPO 2020 Events AmCham Dubai 35th Anniversary Celebration
AMCHAM UPDATE Q1
“THEY SAY YOU CAN’T REALLY KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING UNTIL YOU KNOW WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN” Dubai, we’ve been your essential partner for 35 years... you’ve known us historically as The American Business Council of Dubai (ABC Dubai). Established as the first bilateral trade organization in the United Arab Emirates in 1985, we have continuously been an active member of the global network of American Chambers of Commerce since that time.
And now....we’ve re-branded! Take a look at the evolution of our branding on the road to AmCham through the years.
2015
2018
OUR HISTORY
1985
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 - 2020 A LOOK AHEAD
OUR TEAM 2020
THE BOARD
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Sammy Bousaba
Said Haddad
President
Executive Vice President
Shamsa Al Falasi
Roula Droubi
Amer Afifi
Quinn Kurtz
Vice President Membership
Vice President Programs
Vice President Financial Affairs
Vice President Legal Affairs & Secretary
Robert Mikhael
Paul De Lacy
Raed Hergli
Robert Nichols
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Sura Al Alawi
Shakir Farsakh
Cara Nazari
Anne Jafery
Board Member
Commercial AttachĂŠ US Consulate Dubai
Managing Director AmCham Dubai
Immediate Past President AmCham Dubai
Helena Hyde
Cynthia Beermann
Laura Goodnight
Program & Events Director
Membership Manager
Engagement Manager
THE EXECUTIVE TEAM
Cara Nazari Managing Director AmCham Dubai
Megan Lewonowski
Kathy Hyde
Lilibeth Delatina
MarComm Coordinator
Special Projects
Accounts Administrator
AMCHAM UPDATE Q1
AmCham Dubai’s Premier Club is an exclusive partnership opportunity providing extended access to leadership of relevant organizations. Premier Club members receive many benefits in addition to our typical business member benefits.
VICE-PRESIDENT’S CLUB MEMBERS
President’s and Vice President’s Club levels are investments above and beyond regular membership dues. The funds from the additional dues help AmCham Dubai provide new opportunities and benefits for our members while continuing to support program development. At the same time, these members receive elevated exposure and high level engagement. Each level is designed to host a minimum number of members to keep the club relevant.
PREMIER CLUB 2020
PRESIDENT’S CLUB MEMBERS
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 - 2020 A LOOK AHEAD
OUR MISSION AmCham Dubai promotes and supports US business interests across the region and works to strengthen the positive US-UAE relationship based on trade and investment, cooperation and partnership.
WHO WE ARE American companies committed to and invested in the UAE and the bilateral relationship between American and Emirati business.
OUR VISION To be the go to business resource in the UAE.
ABOUT AMCHAM DUBAI
STRATEGY FOR 2020 AND AGENDA FOR ACTION
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Strategy
Outreach
Human Capital
Smart Regulation
OUR FLAGSHIP INITIATIVES & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 2019/20
Special Industry Committees
The Leadership Majlis - Emirati Outreach
Intercouncil Challenge
SDG #8,9
SDG #4, 10, 11
SDG #3
VALUE PROPOSITION
Act as a catalyst for American business in the region.
Provide a relationship building platform among American and other business communities.
Be the consolidated voice of American industry.
Drive knowledge and information distribution to facilitate and improve American competitiveness.
AMCHAM UPDATE Q1
BUSINESS VISA APPOINTMENT PROGRAM AmCham Dubai is pleased to partner with the U.S. Mission to the U.A.E. to provide business members access to expedited business visa appointments via the Business Visa Appointment Program (BVAP).
The Procedure: Have you tried to secure a Non-Immigrant Travel Visa for business travel but there are no appointments that meet your requirements? Follow these steps for an expedited appointment. Step 1: Have your HR department complete the attached template for Employee Verification and Business Case for the expedited appointment. Please return the template on your company letter signed and stamped: to membership@ amchamdubai.org , director@amchamdubai.org Click here for template
Step 4:After finishing all the relevant application details you will be asked if you are an AmCham Dubai Business Member. If you are an AmCham Dubai business bember or an employee of the business member click the confirm button.
Only Consular officers can determine visa eligibility, AmCham Dubai facilitates this service at the discretion of the U.S. Consulate. Participation in BVAP may require separate supporting documentation and members are in no way guaranteed an appointment or the successful issuance of a non-immigrant visa. AmCham Dubai strongly encourages applicants to apply for required visas well in advance of their intended date to allow for adequate processing time for applications
Step 5: Select your appointment timing. Step 6: Once we receive all your verification documents AmCham Dubai will issue an original letter that must be picked up from our office and accompany you to your VISA APPOINTMENT. Your visa request may be canceled if you do not have the original letter with you. For all inquiries or issues related to the appointment or the process please contact the US Mission to the UAE directly at USVisaDubai@state.gov
BUSINESS VISAS
Through BVAP, the employees of AmCham Dubai’s business member companies who have an evident and urgent need for business travel to the United States will have the ability to request for an expedited appointment.
Step 2: Go to http://usvisa-info.com Step 3: Click on Sign-in and make a new account from there follow the procedures as the site will walk you through it.
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 - 2020 A LOOK AHEAD
PROGRAM & EVENTS CALENDAR 2020
UPCOMING EVENTS
FEBRUARY
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MARCH
Board of Directors Meeting
Sun 9
HR Roundtable
Wed 4
Evening Tax Talk
Tue 11
Board of Directors Meeting
Mon 8
SME Business Builder -Smart Sales Techniques
Mon 17
Fireside Chat with Michael Timmeny
Mon 23
Sanctions Compliance
Thur 20
SME Business Builder -Securing Your Business Assets
Wed 25
American Brands Forum Committee Meeting
Mon 24
American Brands Forum Committee Meeting
Mon 30
Spotlight on India
Wed 26
APRIL
MAY
Digitalization Committee Roundtable
Tue 7
“The Leadership Majlis” Annual Emirati Alumni Event
Tue 5
Board of Directors Meeting
Sun 12
Board of Directors Meeting
Sun 10
Culinary Journey
Mon 13
HR Roundtable
Wed 13
HR Roundtable
Mon 20
American Brands Forum Committee Meeting
Mon 25
American Brands Forum Committee Meeting
Mon 27
June
July
Board of Directors Meeting
Sun 14
Board of Directors Meeting
Sun 12
American Brands Forum Committee Meeting
Mon 29
American Brands Forum Committee Meeting
Mon 27
AMCHAM UPDATE Q1
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4
Knowledge Sharing Events
New Committees Formed
62 Business Events Held in 2019
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15
Northern Emirates Events
Networking Nights
11 Board of Director’s Meetings 9
2019 EVNTS
YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 - 2020 A LOOK AHEAD
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In an effort to deliver on our knowledge sharing commitment, AmCham Dubai has been pleased to partner with FedEx Express and launch our SME Business Builder series. The program is designed to support the development of SME’s and all of our members seeking to learn the best practices across a variety of key topics.
SME Business Builder: The Possibilities of Talent This program focused on thinking outside the box, learning in theory and practical applications in real organizations. Takeaway tips that enable organizations to attract and retain the right talent. Topics covered included: How to Create a Winning Culture, How soft skills can make a difference in leadership, and Workplace Wellness.
AMCHAM UPDATE Q1
Ramadan Etiquette for Business This session was scheduled pre-Ramadan to focus on the do’s and don’ts of doing business during the holy period. Small business owners shared their insights and experiences, as they frequently host culture workshops to delegations visiting Dubai. Hosted at the Etihad Museum.
Networking for Success Featured in global publications such as Forbes and Entrepreneur.com, Phil Bedford took the time to teach us his networking secrets to “never cold call again.” During an evening at the Capital Club in Dubai, Phil took us through the best and worst networking practices he’s experienced in his career.
Tech Trends for Small Businesses
2020 SME BUSINESS BUILDER EVENTS PR & Reputation Management
JANUARY 22
Smart Sales Techniques
FEBRUARY 17
Securing your Business Assets Maximize Logistics for Market Expansion RAK
MARCH 25
MARCH TBC
2019 EVENTS
This session was at in5 Tech, a shared office space for local techies. Speakers from VISA, Denison, Bulkwhiz, and GE took us through topics like maximizing ROI on social media spending and targeting the right audience, dashboard tools that showcase how technology can align culture and business performance, and business expenses and efficiencies with accounting.
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 - 2020 A LOOK AHEAD
SPOTLIGHT ON THE GCC
The Spotlight Series will become an annual event, where we gather industry leaders and decision makers to discuss relevant issues, topics, and policies that are impacting the regional economy and stimulating business resilience.
2019 EVENTS
Topics covered included:
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• An overview of the Geo-political Region from the U.S. Consulate • Innovation & Infrastructure – Technology, Ethics, IoT & AI, • The China Factor • IPR & Standards • Finance, VAT & Liquidity
2020 Spotlight on India - February 26 - Register Now
AMCHAM UPDATE Q1
CELEBRATING EMIRATI ALUMNI OF U.S. UNIVERSITIES “RENEWING THE CONNECTION” In association with the U.S. Consulate Dubai, AmCham Dubai honored U.A.E. Nationals who have studied at U.S. universities during a Suhoor reception on May 12, 2019. The event highlighted the strong bonds that exist between the U.A.E. and the U.S. and stressed the role that higher education can play in bringing communities closer together.
The impressive turnout of distinguished guests included a host of senior level Emiratis and business executives. Universities that participated: • New York University • Columbia University • Syracuse University
“THE LEADERSHIP MAJLIS” EMIRATI ALUMNI EVENT WILL BE ON MAY 5, 2020 SAVE THE DATE!
2019 EVENTS
The keynote speaker was Anoosha AlMarzouqi, the Associate Director for the Opportunity Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Anoosha holds a Master’s degree in International Development Policy from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Boston University.
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 - 2020 A LOOK AHEAD
DUBAI AIRSHOW KICK OFF BREAKFAST TO THE MOON AND BACK!
2019 EVENTS
Dubai Airshow Kick-off Breakfast featuring the U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the announcement of the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavor Scholarship.
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Dubai, U.A.E. November 17, 2019 AmCham Dubai and the AmCham Abu Dhabi held a high-level kickoff breakfast at Dubai South Headquarters, just before the opening of the 2019 Dubai Air Show. Over 200 prominent members of the American business community and top military officers, government officials and leading defense executives participated. The keynote address by The Honorable Ellen Lord – U.S. Under Secretary of the Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment was followed by remarks from Robert Lightfoot, Senior Vice President Strategy & Business Development, Lockheed Martin Corp and former Acting Administrator NASA. The event closed with the announcement of the U.A.E. students award recipients announced for the Al Worden Endeavor Scholarships,
AMCHAM UPDATE Q1
On behalf of Colonel Al Worden, USAF-Ret, Command Module Pilot, Apollo 15 and the entire Endeavour Scholarship Foundation team, THANK YOU for your generous contribution to Endeavour Scholarship Crew #1. The four-student and twoeducator team was selected by a committee lead by the U.A.E. Space Agency.
The AmCham(s) and your Endeavour Scholarship supporting members were recognized during the Award Ceremony in the USA Partnership Pavilion Forum under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubaruk Al Nahyan, the U.A.E. Minister Tolerance and Head of the U.A.E. Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Social Development. This nation-to-nation goodwill gesture, designed to recognize and inspire the next generation of U.A.E. STEM leaders. THANK YOU again for your support of the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship!
The Kallman Foundation and the U.A.E. Space Agency will announce the U.A.E. student winners of the 2020 Astronaut Al Worden Endeavor Scholarships. Both AmCham Dubai and Abu Dhabi applaud this initiative and through the generous support of our sponsors we are able to contribute to the advancement and education of our future aerospace leaders.
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSOR
RED SPONSORS
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
2019 EVENTS
The Kick-Off Breakfast is the first day of the Dubai Airshow to facilitate networking and collaboration between locally based companies in the sector and visiting U.S. aerospace and defense industry executives. Attending this high-profile event has become a tradition among U.S. military leaders, diplomats and local and visiting industry CEOs.
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 - 2020 A LOOK AHEAD
DISCOVER AMERICA
2019 EVENTS
Celebrating Connections In coordination with the United States’ Mission to the U.A.E. and the U.S. Commercial Service we were delighted to join the Discover America campaign, a series of trade promotion events celebrating the multitude of connections between the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates. AmCham Dubai hosted industry leaders showcasing the growing trade networks between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS POTENTIAL With interested organizations we sought to explore and understand the business potential and FDI possibilities between the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and America. The Honorable Philip Frayne, U.S. Consul General, lead the delegations of American businesses with the senior leadership of each emirate as we explored collaborative platforms between the nations.
16 Ras Al Khamiah - Ajman - Fujairah - Dubai
TRADING PARTNERS With over $24 billion in total trade, the U.A.E. is America’s largest export partner in the Arab world. Additionally, the U.A.E. is the largest source of foreign direct investment from the Middle East into the United States. The Discover America series will continue across the emirates throughout the year.
CHRISTMAS IN THE DESERT AmCham Dubai ended the year with a bedoin style holiday celebration out in the desert of Al Awir – families joined in to dune bash, share a festive meal, sing carols and ride camels. The highlight of the night was an authentic German Craft Market set up by our partners Lufthansa. The evening closed with a special prize draw of four roundtrip tickets to Europe also donated by our friends at Lufthansa.
2019 EVENTS
AMCHAM UPDATE Q1
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 - 2020 A LOOK AHEAD
ISSUE - ACTION - RESULT
ADVOCACY & SPECIAL INDUSTRY GROUPS
Our Special Industry Groups are designed to identify an ISSUE or issues relative to the industry, form a committee that meets on a regular basis, formulate ACTION items and report the RESULT through position papers.
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DIGITALIZATION & INNOVATION COMMITTEE
AMERICAN BRANDS FORUM
The objectives of the Digitalization & Innovation Committee are to share the best market practices and latest market insights on Digital and Innovation, to educate established corporations on e-transformation processes and startups on the lifecycle of technology and to better understand the challenges U.S. companies are facing working in the marketplace with regard to U.A.E. data privacy. The goal will be to work towards shifting policy for better alignment of regulation.
AmCham Dubai formed The American Brands Forum with the objective on boosting collaboration between American brands and being the concerted voice of American business in the U.A.E. Topics will include the following:
• U.A.E. data privacy laws, protection, and regulation • Review how these laws are reflected in the U.A.E., federally and by individual Emirate • Additional freezone regulations • Impact on American business.
THE FOOD REGULATIONS COMMITTEE The Food Regulations Committee has been established to create a robust collaboration platform for U.S. companies based in the U.A.E. to engage and advocate on key regulatory issues impacting the industry while upholding the anti-competition by-laws. The committee seeks to create a favorable regulatory environment in the GCC for U.S. companies based in the U.A.E., enabling long term business success and continuity in the region.
• Intellectual property rights and enforcement, such as counterfeiting, piracy, and illegitimate trade. • Develop and coordinate efforts with law enforcement agencies on lobbying engagements, and advocacy campaigns. • Strategically conduct capacity building and training programs.
HR TASK FORCE The HR Task Force will set out to review existing frameworks and recommend a roadmap for developing robust and coherent policies on Best Practice in Human Resources in the U.A.E. This committee will provide an opportunity for business leaders and government officials to discuss operational issues, exchange ideas, and create a roadmap for continued dialogue towards policy enhancements and reform. Launch of the HR Task Force was on November 28, 2019 with meetings and events scheduled during the remainder of 2019 and into the following year to be finalized before September 2020. The HR Task Force is in partnership with:
Position papers will be addressed to the relevant governing bodies in order to facilitate change and reform. Please see the current AmCham Dubai Special Industry Groups. If you are your company would like to get involved please contact us at: communications@amchamdubai.org
AMCHAM UPDATE Q1
DOORKNOCK
Historically we have joined the Middle East Council of American Chambers of Commerce (MECACC) with members from Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. to meet with key U.S. government officials and agencies.
AMERICANS OVERSEAS POLICY ISSUES FOREIGN EARNED INCOME EXCLUSION (FEIE) The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion under the .U.S tax code excludes federal income taxes an annually-adjusted amount of income earned abroad by individuals who meet the certain residency requirements. According to reports from Washington, the so-called Congressional “Super Committee” is considering elimination of the FEIE in connection with its review of tax deductions and exclusions to be eliminated to help reduce the deficit. AmCham MENA’s position is that the FEIE must be maintained and its cap removed.
ADVOCACY
Doorknock missions are a forum for AmCham’s to discuss relevant issues in Washington D.C. regarding the business and investment climate in our region to identify and discuss the challenges facing the private sector.
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 - 2020 A LOOK AHEAD
THE UAE TRADES WITH ALL
50 U.S. STATES SUPPORTING BILLIONS IN U.S. EXPORTS Other top categories of U.S. exports in 2018 included: passenger vehicles ($2.6 billion); electrical equipment, including sound equipment and televisions ($2.6 billion); and precious metals and stones ($1.4 billion).
$20 BILLION IN U.S. DEFENSE HARDWARE
TRADE STATS
Other top categories of U.S. exports in 2018 included: passenger vehicles ($2.6 billion); electrical equipment, including sound equipment and televisions ($2.6 billion); and precious metals and stones ($1.4 billion).
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$3.8 BILLION IN AVIATION Aircraft, spacecraft, and related parts were the top category of U.S. exports ($3.8 billion), accounting for over 19% of total exports in 2018. This reflects the U.A.E.’s position as a global commercial aviation hub.
$2.6 BILLION IN VEHICLES Other top categories of US exports in 2018 included: passenger vehicles ($2.6 billion); electrical equipment, including sound equipment and televisions ($2.6 billion); and precious metals and stones ($1.4 billion).
AMERICANS ABROAD = EXPORTS = JOBS AT HOME Click here to read more about the latest trade stats.
AMCHAM UPDATE Q1
TOP 10 STATES EXPORTING TO THE UAE:
Total US Exports to UAE
14,273
1
Texas
3,171
16.22
2
Washington
2,081
10.65
3
New York
1,814
9.28
4
California
1,478
7.57
5
South Carolina
1,182
6.05
6
Florida
949
4.85
7
New Jersey
892
4.57
8
Georgia
812
4.15
9
Ohio
686
3.51
-
District of Columbia
672
3.44
10
Pennsylvania
531
2.72
Agriculture Products
Aircraft & Spacecraft
Top Exports
Defence Equipment
Nuclear Equipment
Machinery Products
Metal & Stones
Mineral Products
Motor Vehicles
TRADE STATS
State
Totel Exports Share of to UAE 2018 Total ($ Millions) (percentage)
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 - 2020 A LOOK AHEAD
BUY
AMERICA
www.amchamdubai.org/buyamerica
BUY AMERICA
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS MATCHING PLATFORM
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At AmCham Dubai, we are dedicated to advancing trade and commercial relationships between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. We believe that strong trade ties act as a catalyst for broader opportunities both commercially and culturally. Our Buy America directory is set up to offer visiting American Business exhibitors the ability to let our AmCham Dubai members know that exhibiting U.S. companies are looking for opportunities to set up a new business or find new sales channels. This is a vehicle to pair together partnerships in the region. Check out the directory at: www.amchamdubai.org/buyamerica
AMCHAM UPDATE AMCH AM CHAM CH AM U PDAT PD ATE AT E Q1
MEMBERSHIP REWARDS PROGRAM
Scan the QR code to begin taking advantage of the exclusive offers available to only AmCham Dubai members.
Why participate? •
Highlight your brand within the extensive AmCham MENA network
•
Showcase your promotion on the AmCham Dubai and the AmCham MENA websites
•
Send an e-blast of your promotion to all the AmCham Dubai active members
•
Receive promotions from other member organizations
Participating Companies
MEMBER REWARDS
AmCham Dubai business members may offer a variety of exclusive discounts and benefits to our extensive AmCham MENA network.
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 - 2020 A LOOK AHEAD
THE UNITED STATES HAS ANNOUNCED U.S. PAVILION IN EXPO 2020 A consortium of 13 leading U.S.-based organizations have created a unique journey through American innovation which will be showcased within the pavilion. Visitors can experience the thrill of American firsts from the past, present and future. It will feature personal rocket ships, robot surgeons and more. A statement from United States authority explained: “Expos, also known in the United States as world’s fairs, are significant opportunities to showcase American freedom, ideals, enterprise, culture and global leadership.” The statement went on to add the Dubai authorities will be paying for the pavilion.
“The United States pavilion is made possible by the generosity of the Emirati government in recognition of the strong partnership between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. “This is a historic opportunity for a global audience to experience the United States pavilion and Expo 2020 Dubai when it opens its gates in October for an expected 25 million visits during the six-month long event.”
IN THE NEWS
USMCA APPROVAL PROMISES CERTAINTY FOR NORTH AMERICAN TRADE
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On January 16, after more than a year of negotiations with Canada and Mexico and many additional months of talks between the Administration and Congress, the U.S. Senate passed the implementing bill for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which preserves and strengthens our economic ties with Mexico and Canada—our top two export markets—and guarantees that virtually all U.S. exports enter these markets tariff free. First, it would strengthen U.S. trade ties with Canada and Mexico, which are by far our most important export markets. More than 12 million American jobs—in sectors from agriculture and manufacturing to services and technology—depend on trade with our two North American neighbors. They are also the top two export destinations for U.S. small and medium-size businesses. Second, USMCA would modernize North American trade rules. When the North American Free Trade Agreement was negotiated a quarter of a century ago,
there was no e-commerce — its updated rules on digital trade, non-tariff barriers, services, and other areas promise substantial benefits. Third, USMCA would restore certainty to these vital trade relationships. Tariffs and the threat of tariffs—applied to steel and aluminum, autos and auto parts, or applied to pursue non-trade objectives—have imposed real costs on the U.S. economy and dampened investment. Enactment of this new trade agreement would turn the page on this chapter and afford the business community the confidence it needs to invest and hire. Kelly Rosenblatt Associate Manager, Digital and Editorial Content US Chamber of Commerce
AMCHAM UPDATE Q1
VOTING IN 2020 U.S. ELECTIONS Registering to Vote and submitting a ballot is fast, easy, and can be done from anywhere in the world! Start by confirming your voter registration with your state. Some states require absentee voters to register annually so you may need to re-register.
1. Request Your Ballot: Most states provide the option to request ballots through their state election portals, which you can easily access via FVAP. gov. You can also choose to complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The completion of the FPCA allows you to request absentee ballots for all elections for federal offices including primaries and special elections during the calendar year in which it is submitted. FVAP’s easy online assistant can assist you with completing the FPCA. 2. Receive and Complete Your Ballot: States are required to send out ballots 45 days before a regular election for federal office and states generally send out ballots at least 30 days before primary elections. Most states allow you to confirm your ballot delivery online.
3. Return Your Completed, Signed Ballot: Some states allow you to return your completed ballot electronically and others do not. If your state requires you to return paper voting forms or ballots to local election officials by mail, you can do so through diplomatic pouch. The diplomatic pouch provides free mail service from embassies and consulates to a U.S. sorting facility. 4. Bring your open and unsealed, selfaddressed envelope to the consular entrance of U.S. Consulate Dubai: Security will screen your envelope and return it to you. c. You may then seal your envelope and deposit the envelope in the ballot box. Please note that it can take up to four weeks for mail to reach its destination if sent by an embassy or consulate via diplomatic pouch. All overseas U.S. citizens are advised to submit their forms and ballots accordingly.
Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s (FVAP) website, FVAP.gov. If you have any questions about registering to vote overseas, please contact U.S. Consulate Dubai’s Voting Assistance Officer at VoteDubai@state.gov
IN THE NEWS
Go to FVAP.gov to connect to your state’s voter portal to register to vote, request a ballot, and more. Once you confirm your registration, follow a few simple steps to vote in the 2020 U.S. elections:
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 - 2020 A LOOK AHEAD
PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP SIGNS HISTORIC SEVEN-YEAR LONG-TERM REAUTHORIZATION OF EXIM
IN THE NEWS
Washington, D.C. – President Donald J. Trump signed legislation today that reauthorized the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) for a historic length of seven years.
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The bipartisan legislation approved by Congress achieved two important goals: providing certainty to American businesses and workers that EXIM is fully open for business, and giving clear direction to focus on the economic and national security challenges from China. “I thank President Trump for making history today by signing into law the longest reauthorization of EXIM in the agency’s 85-year history,” said EXIM President and Chairman Kimberly A. Reed. “The legislation signed into law by the President also directs EXIM to focus on the important economic and national security challenges posed by China.
Chairman Reed added, “I am honored to work with the President, our administration colleagues, the bipartisan leadership in Congress, and diverse stakeholders as we focus on empowering U.S. businesses and workers to compete and win in the global marketplace. I also would like to recognize my nearly 400 EXIM colleagues, including fellow board members Spencer Bachus III and Judith Pryor. We have worked hard to deliver on the goals that I announced on my first day at EXIM: fully reopening, reforming, and reauthorizing EXIM, thereby providing positive results for America’s workers and businesses, while protecting the American taxpayer. Today’s historic reauthorization of EXIM is a major victory for our nation and for keeping America strong, and I thank all who made it possible, most of all President Trump.” For more information about EXIM, please visit: www.exim.gov
AMCHAM UPDATE Q1
U.S. MISSION TO THE UAE
MECACC
Works very closely with AmCham Dubai however we are not directly affiliated and remain a non-partisan, nongovernmental organization. Our mandates are quite similar as we are here to promote bi-lateral relations between the U.S.A. and the U.A.E.
The Middle East Council of American Chambers of Commerce (MECACC). An affiliate of the United States Chamber of Commerce, MECACC is comprised of nine American Chambers of Commerce operating in the region. MECACC represents more than 950 US companies doing business in the Gulf, where it fosters American business interests and actively encourages United States Government policies that promote America’s commercial interests in the Gulf Cooperation Council.
ae.usembassy.gov/ embassy-consulates/dubai
www.mecacc.org PHILIP FRAYNE US CONSUL GENERAL
UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO THE UAE
U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The world’s largest business organization leads the business community’s efforts to shape policies that advance U.S. trade and investment at home and internationally. These programs and initiatives help expand U.S. companies’ access to the growing markets in the Middle East and attract inward investment into the United States. www.uschamber.com
DUBAI CHAMBER
A non-profit public organization whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai. It does so by creating a favourable environment; promoting Dubai as an international business hub and by supporting the development of business. www.dubaichamber.com
AMCHAM MENA
The Council’s goals and values include commitment to free trade, opening of regional markets, protection of intellectual property rights, and accession to international agreements. As a member we have access to the entire database to share with our membership. www.amchammena.org
DMCC & ALMAS TOWER, JLT
DMCC is the host of the AmCham Dubai office. Within this dynamic free trade zone, which is Made For Trade, is the center for trading international commodities. DMCC regulates, promotes, and facilitates, trade across a range of goods from gold, diamonds, and precious metals to tea, food and industrial materials. It is a great place for AmCham to call home! www.dmcc.ae
OUR NETWORK
THE HONORABLE JOHN RAKOLTA, JR.
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YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 - 2020 A LOOK AHEAD
For further information please contact: Email: director@amchamdubai.org
CONTACT AMCHAM
Call: +971 4 242 0020
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@amchamdubaiuae
@amchamdubai
@amchamdubai